Paul Crouch built station into global TV network

LOS ANGELES - Paul Crouch, the televangelist who founded one of the world's largest Christian broadcasting networks, died on Saturday at age 79.

LOS ANGELES —Paul Crouch, the televangelist who founded one of the world’s largest Christian broadcasting networks, died on Saturday at age 79.

Trinity Broadcasting Network, also known as TBN — the company Crouch set up with his wife, Jan — beamed Christian programs over 84 satellite channels and more than 18,000 television and cable affiliates, according to its website.

Crouch left his job as general manager of a San Bernardino, Calif., broadcaster in 1973, then bought and expanded a California television station.

TBN went on to broadcast over, among others, Smile of a Child children’s channel and the Church Channel.